Werewolf Syndrome

Werewolf syndrome is an unusual and rare genetic disorder, wherein the affected person experiences abnormal hair growth on the body. Such hair growth may either be generalized (all over the body) or localized (confined to certain parts). This disorder, which is scientifically known as hypertrichosis, is also classified as congenital or acquired. While, congenital hypertrichosis refers to the condition, where babies are born with such hair growth,whereas in case of acquired types, such abnormal hair growth develops later in life.

Types of Werewolf Syndrome

Now, you know that this syndrome refers to one of the rarest genetic disorders, which causes abnormal hair growth on the body. This condition is primarily classified as acquired and congenital. These two types have various sub types too.

Congenital Types
Congenital hypertrichosis is categorized as hypertrichosis lanuginosa, generalized hypertrichosis, terminal hypertrichosis, localized hypertrichosis, nevoid hypertrichosis and circumscribed hypertrichosis.

• In case of congenital hypertrichosis lanuginosa, the newborn will have lanugo hair, all over the body, except the palms of hands and soles of feet. In normal infants, lanugo hair (fine, soft, light-colored hair, found mainly on the forehead, cheeks, shoulders and back) will be shed before birth or shortly after that.
• In babies with congenital hypertrichosis lanuginosa, this hair may get thin or get restricted to some areas, with age.
• Generalized hypertrichosis is characterized by excess facial and upper body hair in males and an asymmetrical hair growth in females (less severe than males).
• Terminal hypertrichosis refers to the growth of highly pigmented terminal hair, all over the body. This is one of the noticeable types of werewolf syndrome.
• In localized hypertrichosis, hair growth is limited to certain areas only.
• Circumscribed hypertrichosis is the unusual hair growth of the upper extremities (shoulder, arms, elbow, wrist or fingers). Elbow is found to be mostly involved in this type of werewolf syndrome and is known as hairy elbow syndrome.
• Another type is nevoid hypertrichosis, which features an excessive hair growth on an isolated area.

Acquired Types
While congenital werewolf syndrome appears at the time of birth itself, acquired ones develop later in life, due to various reasons. This type of werewolf syndrome is classified as acquired hypertrichosis lanuginosa, acquired generalized hypertrichosis, acquired patterned hypertrichosis and acquired localized hypertrichosis.

• In case of acquired hypertrichosis lanuginosa, the affected person experiences rapid laguno hair growth on different parts, especially, the face.
• Acquired generalized hypertrichosis refers to the unusual and abnormal hair growth on different parts of the body like the cheeks, chin, upper lips, forearms and legs. It has been observed that in this case of hypertrichosis, numerous hair develop from the same follicle.
• Another type is patterned hypertrichosis, wherein the rapid hair growth will be in some specific pattern.
• Localized hypertrichosis is again the abnormal hair growth restricted to certain areas only.

Werewolf Syndrome Symptoms and Treatment

Abnormal hair growth is the most common symptom of werewolf syndrome. However, some of the affected people may have teeth defects and enlarged gums. While, most types of hypertrichosis are caused by genetic reasons, some types of acquired werewolf syndrome can be caused by cancer or as side effects of medications, etc. Some forms of acquired hypertrichosis can be controlled with treatments, but, there is no cure for congenital ones. So, various methods of hair removal, are tried for managing this condition. Congenital hypertrichosis is very rare, as compared to the acquired ones.

The above said is only a brief overview of the different types of werewolf syndrome, its symptoms, causes and werewolf syndrome treatment. Only a few types can be controlled with treatment, while, others are managed with cosmetic hair removal. As this condition can be very much embarrassing for the affected people, understand their woes and treat them humanely.